POTENTIAL and existing small business owners are set to benefit from increased access to business help from the Small Business Bureau (SBB), as help desks will be established in all 10 administrative regions.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SBB, Dr. Lowell Porter explained: “We began the process [of establishing help desks] in 2018 and we have seven help desks in six regions—there are two desks in region six.”

In 2019, Porter explained, the goal is finish the process of establishing help desks in the other administrative regions—i.e., Regions One, Three and Eight.

These desks, according to Research and Marketing Officer at Small Business Bureau, Shamane Headley, are there for persons in other regions to access information and to garner assistance with completing prerequisite forms and other documents necessary to access the services offered by the SBB.

Furthermore, Headley underscored that these desks aid the bureau to provide critical services to persons since the office of the SBB is located in Georgetown, and employs 15 staff members.

“With 15 staff, it is very difficult to always to meet the needs of the clients outside of Region Four,” she said and highlighted that these desks will afford the opportunity to connect with more clients.

And as said by her, these desks will also be a point for mobilisation for the SBB. Here, awareness sessions used to sensitise persons about the services offered by the bureau can be conducted.

In September, during the Indigenous Heritage village celebrations held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Finance Officer of the SBB Sheridan Lochinvar, highlighted that these desks will be key in providing services to indigenous communities.

Importantly, she noted that indigenous groups—whether they are involved in craft-making or making food and food products—will be able to access services from the SBB, particularly financial aid.

In light of this, Toshao of Bumbury Hill, in Region One, Elizabeth Romascindo told this newspaper: “I think [establishing these help desks] would be beneficial to the people especially the small business here.”

According to her, “It has alot of small business in the region and I think people would be glad for that help. [And] in other communities, not only in Bumbury, they would like the help… the loans and so.”